Monster Hunter Wilds preview: Immersing yourself in the hunt has never felt better

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Monster Hunter” revolves around colossal entities – from towering monsters and gigantic weapons to mammoth landscapes such as mountains, forests, volcanoes, and more. Monster Hunter Wilds , while retaining its core characteristics, distinguishes itself by focusing on intricate details and the small-scale characters you control, giving it a unique and distinct feel.

Let me put it this way: The game of Monster Hunter I played at the media event in Los Angeles has the potential to be its Skyrim moment, impressing both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Although I had attempted several Monster Hunter games before without much enjoyment, this one managed to make a convert out of me. After my time with it, I found myself fully understanding what all the fuss is about and becoming a fan of the franchise.

Want to kill a monster? Go out and hunt it

One significant and impressive modification in the experience of “Wilds” might seem remarkably straightforward at first glance: the freedom to venture out into the world, locate a monster, and engage in a hunt. The seemingly casual action of stepping out from your camp and immediately entering the “Wilds,” a realm teeming with monsters and resources ripe for the taking, is transformative. There’s no necessity for choosing a quest or exploration within your camp, followed by a loading screen. Instead, you can spontaneously decide on your next move in your “Monster Hunter” game without delay.

It’s surprising, but this small alteration in gameplay significantly transforms the overall experience for me, unlike any other Monster Hunter game I’ve played thus far. The freedom from constantly navigating through the menus to merely go out and battle is a welcome change. Now, I can discover how to do things at my own pace.

In the game, additional features seem to build upon each other smoothly, giving an impression that these elements were always intended for the game, though perhaps hindered by technological constraints or developer decisions in the past. Encounters with alpha monsters can lead to unexpected run-ins with groups of smaller monsters trying to aid their leader, introducing unforeseen challenges during combat that feel like real-life encounters rather than scripted video game boss fights. Different species of monsters frequently interact, leading to a variety of unique combat situations. This isn’t the first time a Monster Hunter has facilitated monster vs. monster interaction, but it feels less staged and more spontaneous within Wilds.

The overall experience embodies the classic elements of a Monster Hunter game, such as massive, cumbersome weapons and thrilling combats, yet it offers a fresher, more engaging take that could attract a broader range of players than previous versions.

Embracing humanity’s role in the story

As I delved deeper into the engrossing world of Wilds, what captivated me the most was the game’s narrative focusing less on the monstrous creatures and more on the intriguing humans you encounter while traversing the Forbidden Lands, initially believed to be devoid of human life. In a fascinating twist, I discovered that these lands were not only inhabited but teeming with various tribes who coexist harmoniously, or at least in a way that allows both them and the monsters to coexist without causing mutual destruction.

In contrast to past Monster Hunter games, where the campaigns resemble the monsters you’re hunting due to their grand, immediate missions aimed at averting ecological disasters or village-threatening catastrophes, Wilds shifts the emphasis towards the individuals within your team and the people you encounter while exploring these unfamiliar territories.

In the novel Wilds, I was struck by how utterly distinct the cultures were when I first came across a new tribe of people. Even though we shared the same language, there were no words to describe the weapons I carried or even the concept of a weapon itself. They’ve found unique methods to cope with the monsters that inhabit their realm, and they don’t resort to combat like I do. I can only hope for an explanation later in the story as to why our languages differ so significantly in this regard.

Allow me to clarify, you’re no less versed in the lore of monsters than I am. The human-centric narrative doesn’t diminish the significance or impact of monsters within the story. Instead, it adds an intriguing layer that makes the inhabitants of this realm, despite being surrounded by colossal beasts and weaponry, equally captivating. The novelty in Wilds lies in this unexpected twist, enhancing the immersive quality of the story.

The wilds are waiting for you

In brief, “Wilds” offers an abundance of intriguing details that could fill numerous pages, yet there’s barely enough room here to scratch the surface. The primary and supplementary weapon system is delightfully engaging, enabling you to try out diverse approaches to weapon use without compelling you to employ both weapons or switch from your preferred one if you prefer not to. Each individual weapon requires mastery, but striking wounds on the fly feels instinctive and precise. Riding the Seikret mounts for exploration is a blast, as you can swiftly cover substantial distances in a short span of time. The zones are vast, diverse, and visually stunning. Entering multiplayer was found to be relatively uncomplicated, both in initiating your own game and joining others.

From my experience with Wilds, what truly resonates is that it offers a Monster Hunter-like environment where you can immerse yourself deeply and play according to your preferred style. I’m eagerly anticipating another round.

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2025-02-11 18:25